The Grand Prairie Independent School District (GPISD) in Texas has announced it received a $16 million donation from MacKenzie Scott. 

GPISD is the first school district in Texas to receive a donation from Scott, who has been prolific in her unrestricted giving. GPISD pledged that the money will be aimed at supporting student success, in part by developing quality educators. In 2019, she signed the Giving Pledge, agreeing to donate the majority of her wealth, and in a little more than two years has committed $12.8 billion in support of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations.

According to the Dallas Morning News, although the reason GPISD caught Scott’s attention is unknown, the district has a legacy of meeting the changing needs that are happening in education and has spearheaded initiatives to propel and support students from low-income families.

“I believe the work we’re doing in Grand Prairie ISD is aligned with Ms. Scott’s philosophy of giving,” said GPISD superintendent of schools Linda Ellis. “While this isn’t something we applied for or sought out, we are truly grateful—and humbled—on behalf of our students and staff.” 

(Photo credit: Mackenzie Scott)